ANTI AGEING SKINCARE: WHEN SHOULD I START?
Ageing is not just a normal process – it’s a privilege, surely? – and we are committed to healthy skin at every stage of life.
But we are in the skincare game, so it goes without saying that we’re big on anti ageing ingredients that support and protect our complexions through the years.
The question is, how young is too young? Or how old is too old? It’s not exactly a straightforward answer, so we’ve broken down the ins and outs of this trending topic below.
What Causes Ageing?
Hard fact: skin ageing is 100 per cent normal! The process is mostly biological: collagen and elastin stores gradually deplete as we get older, and our cellular function begins to slow. This is what’s known as intrinsic ageing, or the kind that’s unavoidable as we move through life.
Extrinsic ageing, however, refers to external or lifestyle factors – think smoking, pollution, trauma or injury, and the most obvious one: UV exposure (cue scared face !).
It’s estimated that 80 per cent of extrinsic ageing is caused by UV rays! We’ll save the sunscreen lecture for later in the blog, but let the record show SPF is mega important.
What Is Anti Ageing Skincare?
Anti ageing skincare can be classified as anything that reduces the visible signs of ageing: fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, pigmentation, broken capillaries, coarse texture, loss of elasticity and volume.
Most anti ageing products work to improve cell function, encouraging the skin to operate in a more ‘youthful’ way. They often target things like melanin production, hydration, barrier function and the skin’s ability to defend against environmental factors.
Anti Ageing Ingredients To Look Out For
Scroll on for seven of our favourite anti ageing skincare ingredients:
Retinol
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and a game-changing anti ageing ingredient. It regulates cell turnover encouraging collagen and elastin production for firmer skin.
SPF Filters
You already know that sun protection is the MVP of anti ageing skincare. Wear it daily! Reapply often! Our work here will never be done!
Peptides
Individual peptides have different benefits, but overall the ingredient category supports collagen production, decreases facial contractions, and facilitates skin repair and cellular communication.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant ingredient that draws water into the skin, increasing hydration while plumping surface lines.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that dissolves the glue holding expired cells together. It chemically exfoliates the skin, sloughing off dull or discoloured cells. This improves texture and ensures the remainder of your routine is effective.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a larger AHA that resurfaces while rehydrating the skin. Think plumper, bouncier skin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that defends against external ageing while stimulating collagen production for firmer skin. We use a few forms of Vitamin C in our skincare, including Ascorbic Acid, Kakadu Plum and Ascorbyl Glucoside.
When Should I Start Using Anti Ageing Skincare?
It’s the million-dollar question, right?
The short answer is in your early to mid-20s.
The long answer? Anti ageing skincare is a personal choice and there’s no set age where it becomes more necessary than before.
Truthfully, anti ageing ingredients and products can be used by anyone interested in reversing signs of ageing, preventing unnecessary signs of ageing, and prolonging their skin’s youthful glow.
Anti Ageing Prevention Versus Anti Ageing Treatment
A quick note on prevention versus treatment. Certain aspects of ageing are simply going to happen, and that’s OK! Lines are normal – think of them as signs of a life well lived. Not all ageing can be reversed with skincare, either. We can reduce or improve some things, but not erase them entirely.
Age prevention on the other hand involves keeping your skin healthy and protected for as long as possible. This means you won’t be subjected to unnecessary damage, and you will be able to hold onto your glow for years and years to come.
Anti Ageing Skincare To Try
Curious about anti ageing products? Want to incorporate some of the aforementioned ingredients into your routine? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve listed our proven favourites below:
Boosts cell turnover, plumping wrinkles and unifying skin tone in the process.
Expert Reset Skin-Firming Peptide Serum
Our clinically proven Firma-Peptide Complex instigates skin repair, boosting collagen and elastin to soften lines and wrinkles.
Like a multivitamin for skin, this serum hydrates and boosts cell regeneration, while protecting against those extrinsic skin-agers.
Expert Reveal Retinol Face Oil
This oil has all the cell-boosting benefits of Retinol – but suspended in an oil for extra nourishment and radiance.
A hero, broad-spectrum SPF with a creamy consistency for dry skin.
A similarly broad-spectrum SPF, Face The Day has a light, weightless texture with a soft, matte finish.
This antioxidant-rich serum defends against free radicals in the environment (these contribute to premature cellular ageing) while boosting collagen production. It’s also great for glow!
Think of this serum as instantly juicy skin. It increases moisture, softening surface lines, while keeping the barrier strong.
Want to learn more about the science of skin ageing? Read up on our guide to cellular ageing here.
